This chapter was fun . One thing, this chapter focuses more on Malon's experiences while at the palace, while the next will focus more on Link. I hope you enjoy.
Another little sidenote: I'm going on the assumption that, while Link was sent back in the past after defeating Ganon in OoT, everyone retained their memories of what had gone on during Ganon's reign.
2- A Royal Mess, Part 2
Link looked nervously over at Malon. She looked beautiful, the violet dress fit her perfectly, her long red hair shining in the sun. However, she sat with her arms crossed, frowning. The carriage rattled as it made it's way down the stone streets of Hyrule City, and she looked very uncomfortable being couped up in such a tiny place.
"Remind me why we couldn't just walk to the palace?" She asked after the carriage went over a particularily large and painful bump.
Link gave a sigh. "It rained last night, and this is how the royal family wished for people to arrive."
Malon stole a glance at Link, only to make contact with his own worried gaze. She forced a smile, determined to do her absolute best not to ruin this for him (if that was at all possible). He looked exactly like a noble, his clothing starch white with gold adorning the sides and sleeves. His sandy blond hair, although brushed, still appeared messy. She figured everyone at this little gathering would be used to seeing his hair like this anyway.
The carriage halted to a stop in front of the main gate to the palace, the driver proceeding to give Link's invitation one of the palace guards.
"Remember the last time we were both here?" Link asked with a smile.
Malon couldn't help but grin. "A Fairy Boy lost Hyrule Market, on an adventure to see the princess."
"An impatient red-head waiting for her father to return from the palace."
Malon poked him in the ribs, laughing. "I had been waiting for hours! I think I was extremely patient with him."
Link was about to respond, when one of the guards gave a knock on the carriage door. "Excuse me ma'am, but may I see your invitation?"
Malon looked at Link in confusion. "I invited her to come." Link said, catching the guard's attention. At the sight of Link, the guard gave a low bow.
"You must excuse my impudence, Sir Link, I received no foreknowledge that you were bringing a guest. Are you certain that the royal family will have objections?"
"Yes, I'm certain." Link replied confidently.
The guard nodded respectfully, and gave the signal to open the main gate. As the carriage rolled past the guard, he gave Malon an apologetic smile.
"Does the Royal Family even know I'm coming?" Malon once the carriage was well past the gate.
Link grimaced. "Well, um..no, it was sort of a last minute decision on my part."
Malon's mouth dropped. "No, there is no way I'm going now."
-
"I hate you." Malon whispered to Link as he assisted her in climbing down out of the carriage. How he had convinced her to stay, she had no idea, the only thing she knew was that she was now currently making her way towards the palace instead of on her way home. She had to admit, however, it was quite the impressive sight. The palace's white marble walls gleamed in the noonday sun, it's towers seeming as if they touched the sky. When the two reached the front palace steps, a servant came forward and gave a low bow.
"Sir Link, the Princess has eagerly been awaiting your arrival." He faultered when he saw Malon. "And, umm...who might this young lady be?" He asked curiously.
"This is Malon Astira, I invited her to come." He said once again.
"Hmm, well all right." He gave a whistle, and another servant ran up and gave a bow. "Take Miss Astira into the ballroom with the other guests." He said with an air of authority.
"Very well." The servant responded, motioning for Malon to follow.
"Wait! Isn't Link coming too?" Malon asked, worried.
The other servant shook his head. "The Princess requested to see the Hero as soon as he arrived."
Link gave Malon a sympathetic smile. "I'm really sorry Malon, I promise I'll catch back up with you in a couple minutes, all right?"
Malon frowned, but nodded nonetheless. "Fine."
-
Malon gave an angry sigh as she stood against a wall in the massive ballroom, which was most likely larger than her house. Lavishly decorated in red and gold, the ballroom could hold two, perhaps even three hundred people. Portraits of the former rulers of Hyrule could be seen hanging on the walls, framed with gold and jewels. Hylians, Zoras, Gorons, even a few Gerudo and Kokiri could be seen at this "little gathering" of "a few" friends. Malon made a mental note to teach Link the meaning of "a few", meaning ten or fifteen at the most. So far she had counted at least one hundred and twenty-four people.
It had already been about twenty minutes since Link left, and Malon's stomach was beginning to growl. Looking over, she was able to make out a table with various foods being served. At first she wouldn't budge, but eventually her stomach won out and she made her way cautiously over to the food table. After picking up a plate, she was met with quite the humorous sight. A Zora, dressed in a deep blue gown seemed very angry indeed, and appeared to be taking out all her frustration on the chef.
"How can you be so barbaric? It's unthinkable, how...how!" She asked obviously wanting an answer.
The chef stuttered for an answer. "T-there's nothing I can do Princess Ruto...they asked for the grilled fish, so I gave them grilled-" He was cut off by the princess.
"I don't care if they wanted it or not, it's the act itself. "To think, a poor innocent fish..." She stopped, noticing Malon's gaze. Malon quickly looked down, trying to appear inconspicuous.
"You!" She walked over to Malon, giving the very frightened chef a chance to run off. "You, do you make a habit of staring at people? Or are you just rude?" She asked, arrogantly.
Malon looked up sharply, more than fed up with the entire situation. "Listen, I'm sorry I was "staring", but what do you expect when you're yelling and biting someone's head off like that? More than likely, a couple people will take notice." She paused, and shook her head." And so what if they're serving fish? Learn to deal with it."
At this, Malon heard a clap behind her, accompanied by a low laugh. She turned to see a huge Goron tower towards her.
"Well said. Ruto, how many times have I told you to take it easy?" He asked, grinning.
Ruto crossed her arms. "But Darunia, they're serving..."
Darunia held up a hand, causing Ruto to fall silent. "Apologize to the girl. She didn't do anything wrong."
Ruto turned to face Malon. "I'm sorry I yelled at you." She studied Malon for a second, then cocked an eyebrow. "Who are you anyway?" She asked curiously.
"Um, my name's Malon Astira." Malon replied, giving a slight curtesy.
"Hmm..." Darunia said, scratching his chin. "I don't recall the name."
"You hardly recall anyone's name." A small girl with green hair walked over to the threesome. "You just call them "Brother"or "Sister." She said with a smile. She wore a little green and gold gown specially fit for her size.
Darunia gave a laugh. "True enough, Miss Saria."
Saria nodded, and looked up towards Malon, blue eyes sparkling with amusement. "So you're Malon. Link's told me all about you."
Malon's face reddened slightly, causing Darunia to burst into laughter. "What do you mean?" Ruto asked, worried. "What do you mean he's told you all about her?"
Saria nudged Malon. "Um, yeah, Link works for my dad and I at our um, ranch..." She managed to get out.
Ruto gaped. "A farm? Why on earth would he be working on a farm? He knows perfectly well that he could ask for any position he wanted, and no one would deny it to him."
Darunia, finally gaining some composure spoke up. "You're right Ruto, he does know that perfectly well. Now, why would Link work on that ranch? Let's figure this all the way through..." He said humorously, turning Ruto so that she faced Malon.
Ruto stood there silently for a couple seconds, until the realization finally dawned on her. "You?" She said in disbelief. "He's working on that ranch because of...you?"
By now, Malon's face was scarlet, more than embarrassed by all this talk about her and Link. "I...guess..."
Ruto stood there for a couple seconds, just taking in it all. Then, much to everyone's surprise, she smiled. "I guess that's all right." She said, giving a shrug. "I don't think Link would of been able to handle me anyway."
"Boy is that right..." Darunia said, only to receive a elbow in the stomach from Ruto.
"Attention everyone!" The head chef appeared towards the front of the room. "If everyone would please make their way to the dining hall, dinner is almost ready to be served."
Malon felt a tug on her hand, and looked down to see Saria standing beside her. "C'mon, you can eat with us." She said with a smile. Darunia and Ruto both gave their heads a nod of approval, and Malon followed them all into the dining hall.